Recognising innovation and excellence in entrepreneurship among small to medium Australian First Nations arts and culture businesses and arts organisations.

We are pleased to invite nominations for the 2027 First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award. Valued at $25,000 this Award, for one business, recognises innovation and excellence in entrepreneurship among Australian First Nations small to medium arts and culture businesses or community organisations (including Art Centres) nationwide.

This category is only open to self-nominations from First Nations owned and led small to medium arts and cultural businesses that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and cultural integrity in their business practices. The recipient will be presented with the Award at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards ceremony to be held on Thursday 27 May 2027.

This initiative is part of Creative Australia's First Nations First industry development programs. The programs have been developed in response to extensive community consultation on priorities and needs of the sector in response to Pillar 1, First Nations First - Revive, the Australian Government's shared vision for Australia: a place for every story and a story for every place. These initiatives aim to elevate existing programs and deliver new funding that builds on a 50-year legacy of First Nations leadership and investment at Creative Australia.

Who can be nominated

You are eligible for this award if:

• your business or organisation is Australian First Nations-led and owned
• your business or organisation is part of the arts and culture sector, such as community arts and cultural development, dance, experimental arts, literature, multi-arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts
• your business or organisation is based in Australia
• your business or organisation has not previously received this award.

Please note: we only accept self-nominations for this First Nations award category only.

• Phone: +61 2 9215 9087
• Email: anne-marie.brockenhuus-schack@creative.gov.au